Shoe tree



J. HOWARD July 13, 1965 SHOE TREE Filed Sept. 21, 1962 V 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR J EAN HOWARIZ Mk ATTORNEYS.

July 13, 1965 J. HOWARD 3,193,861

snom TREE Filed Sept. 21, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR JEAN HOWARD KM MMM ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent Ofifice 3,193,851 Fatented July 13, 1965 3,193,861 SHGE TREE Jean Howard, New York, N.Y., assignor to Novel Inventions Inc, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 21, 1962, Ser. No. 225,433 17 Claims. (Cl. ll-115.8)

This invention relates to shoe trees and particularly to shoe trees of novel design adapted to store things therewithin, to thereby render said shoe tree a travel kit. This application constitutes a continuation in part application of my co-pending application, Serial No. 74,867, filed December 9, 1960, and now abandoned.

More and more people are traveling in these times and many of them are traveling by air. One of the great problems in traveling is finding sufficient space for all of the articles of clothing along with other necessities. Heretofore, a traveler carrying shoes has found the shoes taking up a great deal of space in his luggage. Particularly, most travelers employ shoe trees to prevent the shoes from being crushed in the suitcase. Shoe trees currently in use generally fill up the entire space within the shoes, which space could otherwise be employed to store various things such as articles of jewelry, trinkets, perfume and the like.

The present invention is related to a shoe tree of such construction that very little of the space within the shoe is occupied thereby to provide space within the shoe tree as a storage means for jewelry, perfume and the like. The provision of space within the interior of the shoe tree is a result of a special construction which provides for the attachment of the front and rear portions of the shoe tree in such a manner that there is no obstruction in the interior of the shoe tree. Hence, the interior of the shoe tree is adapted to serve as a container. In addition, shoe trees of my novel construction can be made to have a very pleasant appearance so that they may be placed right on a bureau, chiffom'er or dressing table to serve as a jewelry container or a perfume dispenser or the like. In this connection, means may be provided for supporting the shoe tree outside of the shoe.

It is therefore one object of this invention to provide a new and improved shoe tree.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved shoe tree which yields substantial storage space within it.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved shoe tree which yields storage space within it and which is pleasing of appearance and has means for supporting it outside of the shoe.

The above and other objects, characteristics and features of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one form of shoe tree embodying the present invention;

PEG. 2 is a top elevational view of the shoe tree shown in FIG. 1 with several of the parts shown in plan to more clearly illustrate the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a modified form of shoe tree embodying the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of several parts of the shoe tree shown in FIG. 3 illustrating more clearly the construction of the biasing means therewithin;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of still another form of shoe tree embodying the present invention, the form being especially adapted for containing liquids;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the biasing means empioyed in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of one form of liner adapted to be employed in connection with shoe trees embodying the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 99 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of still another form of liner for shoe trees embodying the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another modification of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of FIG; 11 taken along line 1=212;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a partial side elevational view shown in section of the embodiment of FIG. 11 illustrating a heel support therefor in a stowed position;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 illustrating the application of a heel support in operative position; and

FIG. 16 is a modified embodiment of FIG. 11 which is applicable for the storage of large solid articles.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate one form of the present invention, the shoe tree therein is generally designated by the reference character 10. The shoe tree 16 includes a front portion 12 and a heel portion 14 which are connected to one another in a manner to be described hereinafter. Front portion 12 is a hollow member formed to conform to the interior shape of the front of a shoe. Front portion 12 of the shoe tree 10 is preferably molded of plastic or other suitable material to conform to the forward portion of a shoe although other methods of shaping it may be employed. Preferably, the material used is relatively rigid and springy, such as, for instance, plexiglass. As here shown, shoe tree 10 is for a ladys shoe. Of course, a similar construction can be used in connection with a mans shoe and anyone skilled in the art, once having been taught to work the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, can adapt it for use with mens shoes. Naturally, the front portion 12 is made of a specific size to generally conform to a particular shoe size. However, in order to avoid undue tooling costs, the front portion is preferably provided with means for adjusting the width thereof whereby to accommodate the shoe tree to a number of different widths. The means for adjusting the width includes a V-shaped cut out 16 which extends from the rear edge 19 of the front portion 613 of the bottom surface 20 and communicates with a circular aperture 18 at its forward end adjacent the apex thereof. Provided in the front portion of the bottom surface 20 are four apertures 22 which are adapted to receive rivets or other securing means. Overlying the rear part of the front bottom surface portion 60 is a plate 24 having a plurality of apertures 26. The location of these apertures in plate 24 will determine the width of the front portion as will be understood hereinafter. The apertures 26 are adapted to register with the apertures 22 in front bottom surface portion 60 to thereby permit suitable securing elements such as rivets 23 to extend therethr-ough. If the shoe tree 10 is to be employed with a narrow shoe then the apertures 26 in the plate 24 are located relatively close to one another. Accordingly, it will be necessary to pinch the rear portion of the front part 12 of shoe tree in order to register the apertures 22 with the apertures 26. Once registration is effected the rivets are inserted to hold the front part in a fixed position. However, if the 'shoe treelfl is to be employed 7 tion 12 of the shoe tree 10 to thereby widen the shoe tree. 'As will be, understood'hereinafter, by fixing the width of the fron-t'portion of theshoe tree 10 the width of the rear portion14 will also be fixed. Thus, one particular length of shoe tree can be adjusted at'the factory for differe'nt shoe widths. Thusi-t is unnecessary to have a mold for each width. However, if desired the adjusting a means can be dispensed with and'a front portion of fixed.

width may be. manufactured, in :which case .a mold for such width will be necessary. V e I Referring now to the rear portion 14 this portion is also molded out of, suitable plasticto generally conform to the shape of the interior of the rear or heel portion of a shoe. Rear portion 14 is preferably made of relatively stiff but. springy material in order to provide for some bending thereof as will be necessary for adjusting the width in the manner to be described hereinafter. Provided in the rear, bottom surface portion isa V-shaped cut out 32 which extends rearwardly from the front edge 34 to the rear of the heel portion 14 along the longitudinal axis thereof and communicates with a circular hole 36 atits rear end which is the apex of the V-shaped cut out. Thus the heel portion 14 of'the shoe tree 10 can be elastically'deforrned by pinching or spreading to adjust the width of the heel portion in conformity with the width of the shoe with which this shoe tree is to be employed. Unlike the front portion 12 of shoe tree 10 the rear porsaid portions for relative linear and pivotal movement, substantially the entire space within the shoe tree is left open for the storage of articles. Further, this space is not materially reducedby the biasing means, springs 48, since 7 these springs are located and act in a plane substantially coplanar with the side walls of the shoe tree (specifically, immediately adjacent said side walls). Thus the shoe tree has been so designed to render it substantially totally hollow to serve as a storage means.

In order to dispose theshoe tree within the shoe the front portion 12 is slidably moved into the forward interior of the shoe until it abuts against theinner wall of the shoe. 'At this time the rear portion of the shoe tree is in an upwardly extending position so that it is not within the shoe and the-springs'48 hold it in its fully extended condition. Thereafter, the rear portion 14 of the shoe tree is grasped'and pressed forward relative to the front end thereof against the bias of springs 4810 permit the heel of the rear portion 14 to slip within the heel of the interior ofthe shoe. The rear portion is then pivoted downwardly to disposeit within the shoe and it is released. The springs 48'then force the rear portion of the shoe tree rear-wardly of the front portion until the rear portion of the shoe tree engages the rear interior of the shoe to thus subject the shoe to a shape retaining tensile stress.

In order to facilitate the removal of the shoe tree from V the shoe a shelf-like member, heretofore referred to as horizontarlfixed member 42, is provided. This member is tion 14 does not form a substantially hollow containing portion but, instead, has an elongated, opening at the top thereof which opening is defined by a lip or ridge 40, ex-

tending around the top of the, heel portion. However, for

movable relative to the front portion 12. Moreover, the 7 width of the heel portion is brought into conformity with the Width of front. portion 12. The longitudinal and pivotal movement is desirable to facilitate the'insertion of the shoe tree into the shoe. However, it is necessary that the shoe tree exert a tensile stress on the shoe to hold the shoe in proper elongated condition. In order to stress the shoe a biasing means is employed to force the two parts of the shoe tree toward their extended condition in which the rivets 46 engage the rear edges 52 of slots 44. This biasing means, which performs its'function without interfering with the container space includes apair of pivot springs 48. The pivot springs are fixedly connected at one end of theirends to the movable rivets 46and are fixedly connected at theirother ends to rivets 50 which are fixedly secured to the side wall of the front portion 12 of thexshoetree :10. The positioning of the. rivets 46 and 5t) "located at substantially the rear of portion 14 of shoe tree will move the rear portion 14 out of the shoe. Thereafter,

the shoe tree may be grasped and moved rearwardly of the shoe to slide the front portion out of the front of the shoe and thereafter it may be lifted out of the shoe.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and Swherein a modifica tion of the construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is illustrated, the shoe tree contains front and rear portions 112 and 114, respectively, which are substantially identical to the structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. ,The major modification ,in' FIGS.13, 4 and 5 is in the means for biasing the shoe tree parts to their extended condition.

In lieu of the springs 48 employed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, rubber bushings 148 are employed. Rubber bushings 148 are substantially rectangular solids having longitudinally'extending slots 150 and 15:2 in their upper and lower surfaces, which slots are slrghtly wider than the thickness of the side wall of front portion 112 to thus'adapt the slots to receive therewithin said side wall-(FIG. 5). The rubber bushings are made of highly compressible strongly elastic material and may be made, in lieu of rubber, of some form of plastic or other compressible material having similar, properties. The bushings 148 are disposed within the slots 144 in the side walls of front portion 112 with the portions 15? and 162, overlapping the side walls on opposite edges of the grooves 144. Thus the bushings are self-retaining within the slots. The front end of the bushing, namely the end designated by the reference numeral 164 abuts against a stiff metal or plastic plate 166 secured to the front portion and extending into the groove, and the rear portion 168 of the bushing 148 abuts against a similar plate 170 having a rearwardlyextending apertured car 172 which is pivotally secured to the side wall of the heel portion 114 for sliding and pivotal movement relative to the front of the shoe tree. In order to place the, shoe tree 110 into a shoe the front portion is pressed into the interior'of the shoe until it comes to rest against the front thereof. At this time the rear portion is biased by bushing 148 awayfrom front portion 112. Moreover, it is pivoted upwardly so that it is riot located inside the shoe. The rear portion is then moved forward against the bias of bushings 148 to thus compress the bushings. The rear portion 114 is then pivoted downwardly about its connection with apertured ear 172 into the interior of the heel portion of the shoe. The heel portion 114 of the shoe tree is then released and the bushings 148 force it into engagement with the heel of the shoe to properly protect the shoe. To remove the shoe tree 110, the user passes a finger under the ledge 142 on heel portion 114 and pivots the heel portion upwardly out of the shoe. Thereafter, the front portion 112 may be moved rearwardly of the shoe and then up out of it. As was stated with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the biasing means does not occupy any substantial amount of space within the interior of the shoe and thus leaves the shoe tree interior available as a storage means.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 wherein still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, this embodiment, designated by the reference numeral 210, is especially adapted for containing liquids. Shoe tree 210 is made of one piece, preferably molded of plastic which is relatively stiff in thin walled sections above a certain thickness but is readily bendable or pliable in very thin sections. Thus the front portion 212 is molded in one piece as a hollow container with no apertures or adjusting means in the bottom thereof, as is the heel portion 214. These two portions are integral with one another with the intermediate portion being formed in the shape of a bellows 248. The bellows normally biases portions 212 and 214 away from one another to hold the shoetree in its distended condition. However, if additional bias is desired to force the shoe tree to its fully extended condition after the shoe tree 212 is molded into the form shown, a plurality of elastic bands 250 may be disposed in the bellows portion to fit within the grooves 252 therein whereby to serve as additional biasing means. The heel portion is provided with an upwardly extending bushing 270 which is hollow and threaded whereby to provide for an inlet to the interior liquidtight container defined by the structural components of shoe tree 210. The bushing 27%) may have inserted therewithin a threaded cap 272 for closing off the container once it is filled with liquid. Such a container can be employed for containing any type of liquid such as perfume or alcoholic beverages, or, if desired, it may be used to contain waste liquids which will be disposed of subsequently. As was true with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the means for connecting the front and rear portions 212 and 214, namely bellows 252, is located at the wall of the shoe tree and permits both linear and ivotal movement without obstructing the interior space within the shoe tree itself. If desired the liquid container can be sub-divided into two or more containers by providing liquid tight partitions within the interior of the shoe tree so as to adapt the shoe tree to carry several types of liquid. Naturally, in such a case separate inlets must be provided, one for each container portion. An other use for shoe tree 210 is as a hot water bottle.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, one form of liner for shoe trees of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is illustrated. The liner 300 is formed of a flexible plastic material such as, for instance, polyethylene or the like, but is provided with a relatively rigid lip, band or edge 3G2 surrounding the opening 304 to the interior of the liner. The liner may be a molded plastic part if desired, although other methods of making it may be employed. The shape of the liner is adapted to conform generally to the shape of the interior of the shoe tree. Overlying the opening 3% in the liner 3% is a cap 306 having a depending boss 3% provided with a groove 31ft adapted to tightly receive the relatively rigid lip 392 of the top of the liner. The liner is proportioned so that the lip 3&2 prefferably extends above the upper edge of the heel portion of the shoe tree whereby to not interfere with the placing on and removal of the cap 3&6.

Referring now to FIG. 10 still another form of liner 4% is shown which liner may also be formed of a flexible plastic but without a relatively stitfupper lip 492. In lieu thereof, the top of the liner 400 which is designed to occupy the space defined by the upper edge of the heel portion of the shoe tree is adapted to come into close registry with itself and is provided with a slide fastener or other type fastening means which may be readily opened and closed. Both the liners 300 and 400, due to their flexibility, may be easily inserted into the interior of the shoe tree to thus form a suitable container for holding relatively small articles.

In using the shoe trees illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 with a liner the liner is placed within the shoe tree and then the shoe tree is inserted into the shoe as described hereinbefore. Thereafter, the liner may be opened as by the removal of the cap or the opening of the slide fastener and suitable articles may be placed therewithin. Due to the form of construction of the shoe trees which is akin to monocoque construction, the shoe trees are extremely strong and will withstand great compressive stresses without breaking. Thus, the articles Within the shoe trees are extremely safe. When the traveler arrives at his destination, it is unnecessary for him to remove the articlesfrom the shoe tree. In lieu thereof the shoe tree may be removed from the shoes and placed on a bureau or dressing table or the like. To support the shoe trees so that the bottom surface 60, 160 or 26% of the front portion of the shoe tree rests squarely on the table surface, a supporting means is provided for each of the forms of shoe tree. In FIGS. 1 and 2 this supporting means consists of a U-shaped member 62 having its arms 64 and 66 (66 not being visible) pivotally connected to the side walls of the heel portion 14 or the corresponding heel portions as by rivets 65 whereby to pivotally mount the member 62. When the member 62 is in its retracted condition (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1) the bite 68 of the member 62 generally rests on and conforms with a complementary recessed portion 6? formed in the Wall of the heel of the shoe tree. By providing the wall of the heel with a complementary recessed portion 69, the outer surface of the heel bends smoothly with the outer surface of member 62. However, when the U-shaped supporting member 62 is pivoted to its vertical position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 the bite 68 is located so as to orient the surface portion 60 horizontally relative to a supporting horizontal table surface. Thus the shoe tree will stand upright and erect and have a very pleasing appearance. The heel portions 114 and 214 of shoe trees and 210 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, respectively, may also be provided U-shaped support members 162 and 262, respectively, which are connected to and operate with their respective shoe trees in substantially the same manner as member 62 is connected to and operates with shoe tree 10.

FIGS. 11 to 15 are directed still to another form of the invention, and this embodiment is generally designated by reference numeral 500. The shoe tree 500 of this embodiment is likewise preferably made as a unitary article of a plastic material, as by blow molding. As shown, the shoe tree 56% is provided with a front toe portion 501, a heel portion 502 and an interconnecting central portion 503, the latter portion being constructed with corrugation or accordion folds 503A defining a bellows type structure. It is to be noted that the bellows portion of the shoe tree 500 of this embodiment is not provided with bands 25% as described with reference to FIG. 6. As it will be readily apparent, the accordion folds or bellows structure 503A provides the shoe tree with the necessary ability to expand and contract so that a given shoe tree is readily adapted to accommodate a range of shoe sizes falling within the expandible limits of the shoe tree.

If desired the shoe tree 500 may be molded in one operation with the wall thickness of the bellows portion 503 being less than the wall portions of the relatively stiff toe and heel portions 501, 532 respectively. In this manner the flexibility of bellows portion 503 is enhanced. With this construction it will be noted that the shoe tree is in- 504, a heel part extending to line 505 and the bellows-part 503, the last being formed of a far moreresilient material than the relatively stiff toe and heel parts 501, 502. Subsequent to the formation of the said three parts, as

ing, adhesive, or the like to define a unitary article. With this form ofconstruction the toe and heelportions are formed ofa given stiif material, Whereas the bellows portion maybe formed ofa more resilient material.

The shoe tree 500'is especially adapted for the storage of liquids, although powdered or granulated materials, or even small articles of jewelry and the like may be stored therewithin if desired, so as to economize on storage space V by molding,'the three parts .may be joined as by heat sealof the sh oe tree so that'nipple 507 projects throughhole- 510C of the heel rest 510. The cap 508 is then rethreaded to the nipple and cooperates to hold the heel rest 510 in stowed position. In this manner, the heel rest 510 cocupies a negligible amount of space, and it is not readily lost or separated from' the shoe tree when not in use.

While the bellows portion 503 of the shoe tree 500 nor mally biases the toe portions and heel portions away from one another to hold the shoe tree in its distended position and firmly in placewithin a shoe, additional bias may be imparted thereto when the shoe tree 500 is partially filled when traveling, the shoe tree 500 being formed as a com pletelycl-osed or fluid impervious hollow article. Access to the interior portion of the shoe tree 500 is provided by means defining an 'access' opening 506 in one of the portions thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the access opening 506 isdefined by a bushing 507 communicating with the rear or heel portion 502 of the tree. Preferably the bushing 507 is formed as an externally threaded nipple to which asuitable cap or closure 508 is screwed. In this manner a fluid tight closure is provided. Thus, in the event a liquid is to be stored within the shoe tree, any danger of spillage is eliminated.

In accordance with this invention the heel portion 502 of the shoe tree 500 is formed with alongitudinally extending groove 509 running along the bottom portion: 502A thereof on the central axis thereof. In the illustrated embodiment the groove 509 extends along the heel, central and toe portions of the shoe tree, the central portion of the groove 509 being provided with transverse'belwith a liquid 515 and sealed prior to insertion of the same in a shoe. 'As shown in FIGS..l4 and 15; when the shoe tree is partially filled with'liqu'id 515, the remainder of the space 516 therein is occupied by air. Thus, with the shoe tree sealed by 'cap' 508, movement of the toe and heel portion toward one another necessary for insertion within a shoe reduces the internal'volume of the shoe'tree. Since the liquid is incompressible, the air within the closed air space. 516 must necessarily compress to result in an increase in the air pressure within the closed'shoetree. Consequently upon the positioning of the partially filled shoe tree within the shoe, the build-up of air pressure within. the shoe tree, due to the compression thereof, serves to supplement the inherent bias produced by the bellows I to firmly insure the positioning of the shoe tree in place 7 within the shoe. 7

low folds 503A. The purpose of the groove 509 is to define a means for retaining a heel support 510 for sup porting the shoe-tree 500 inan upright'and erect position, as shown in FIG. 15, when it is not being utilized as a shoe tree, but rather a container. Also the groove 509 provides for a limited amount of lateral expansion and contraction of the shoe tree to accommodate varying shoe widths. within the lateral expansion limits thereof.

In an alternate construction, the groove 509 may be ex tended along the heel and toe portions 501,502 only. In such construction, the central bellows portion is not providedwith a longitudinal groove.

As shown in FIG. 15, the heel rest or support 510 comprises a blank of material having a wedged shaped upper peripheralportion 510A which is adapted to be inserted and frictionally retained in the V-shapedgroove 509 formed in theheel portionv 502 of the shoe. Thebottom of the blank 510 is made flat as at 510B so that it may rest on-a supporting surface' Thus, the shoe tree 500 may be supported in an erect position on a dresser top, table and the like.

In order that the heel. rest 510 may not become lost when not in use, the heel rest 510 and heel portion 502 of the shoe tree are constructed so that the heel support'5l0 may be stowed thereon inthe inoperative position thereof. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the heel portion 502 a of the shoe tree 500 is provided with a projecting flange.

Thus it willbe apparent that to storethe heel rest-510 the cap- 508 closing the nipple 507 is removed, and the heelrest is placed on top 502A of th'eheel portion FIG. 16 is directed to a slightly modified form of the invention as described with reference to FIGS. 11 to' 15. In this form of'the invention shoe tree'600 is similar in all respects to shoe tree 500, except that the heel portion 602 thereof 'is provided with a full opening 602A to provide access to the interior of the shoe-tree to facilitate the storage of solid articles, especially relatively large articles, e.g. tie clips, large jewelry, coins, folding money, keys, chains, etc. 1

As best seen in FIG.'16, the upper full open end of the heel portions 'is' circumscribed by a laterally extending flange or lip 603; The heel portion 602 is also provided with a centrally extending groove 604 formed in the bottom thereof, as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15. Because of the'enlarged opening 602A, relatively larger size articles 605 may be stored within 'the shoe tree.

- 7 In this form of the invention, the large opening 603 is closed by a closure or member 606 which is constructed so as to double'for a heel rest, ashereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, the heel rest and closure 606 comprise a blank shaped to conform to the opening 602A in the heel portion, 602. Blank 606 is provided with a depending skirt 606A terminating in an inturned lip 606B which is adapted to frictionally lock unto flange 603, as hereinbefore described. As shown, the end or rounded portion 607 of the closure or heel rest 602 is provided with a wedge shaped edge 607A portion which is adapted to be frictionally retained in a V groove 604,'when used as a heel rest, similar to that shown in FIG. 15

In order to decorate and make more pleasing the appearance of the shoe trees so as to make them acceptable as indepedent containers, the shoe trees may be molded of clear plastic or metalized plastic or may be ornamented as by lithography or the like.

From the foregoing it will be noted that the constructions of shoe trees 500 and 600 are such that the fabrication thereof may be'performed by the same molds. It will. be observed that shoe trees 500 and 600 are identical except for the opening in the heel portion thereof. Therefore, to go from shoe tree 500 to shoe'tree 600, all that is required is an additional operation of cutting oif the top of heel portion of shoetree 500 above the flange 511. Thus the manufacturing advantage of such construction is readily apparent. With the same mold, two distinct the exception that the heel rest 51%) is provided with a hole 510C to accommodate the threaded boss 507. Therefore the cover 606 and heel rest 510 of the respective shoe trees may likewise be made by the same mold, with only an additional punching operation being required to stamp out the hole 510C as may be required. Hence the tooling cost required to produce the shoe trees and 60!) is maintained to an absolute minimum, as the two shoe trees can be made by the same mold.

From the foregoing it will be noted that each of the finished shoe trees herein disclosed is considered to be a unitary structure, i.e., a finished structure devoid of any marked or noticeable seam pervious to fluid.

While the various forms of shoe trees have been described and illustrated with respect to a shoe tree for a ladys shoe, it will be understood that similar constructions can be made for mens shoes or childrens shoes as may be desired Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

While I have herein shown and described the preferred embodiment of this invention, and various modifications thereof, it will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

What I claim is:

1. A shoe tree, comprising a unitary member including front, central and rear portions, said front and rear portions being relatively stiff thin walled hollow members adapted to conform substantially to the shape of the interior of the front and rear portions of a shoe, respectively, said central portion being formed as a bellows with ridges and grooves, and a resilient band disposed within one of said grooves, said band being under tension whereby to cause said central portion to elongate.

2. A shoe tree, comprising a unitary member including front, central and rear portions, said front and rear portions being relatively stiff thin walled hollow members adapted to conform substantially to the shape of the interior of the front and rear portions of a shoe, respectively, said central portion being formed as a bellows with ridges and grooves, and a plurality of resilient bands, one for substantially each of said grooves, disposed within said grooves under tension whereby to elongate said central portion.

3. A shoe tree, comprising a unitary member including front, central and rear portions, said front and rear portions being relatively stiff thin walled hollow members adapted to conform substantially to the shape of the interior of the front and rear portions of a shoe, respectively, said central portion being formed as a bellows with ridges and grooves, and a plurality of resilient bands, one for substantially each of said grooves, disposed within said grooves under tension whereby to elongate said central portion, and a closable inlet to the interior of said shoe tree located in the rear portion thereof, whereby to provide means for introducing liquid into the interior of said shoe tree and for subsequently removing said liquid there from.

4. A shoe tree comprising a front, central and rear portion, said front and rear portions being a relatively stiff thin walled hollow member adapted to conform substantially to the shape of the interior of the front and rear portions of a shoe, respectively, and said central portion being formed as a bellows to provide for longitudinal expansion and contraction of said shoe tree for accommodating for a range of shoe sizes within the expansion limits thereof.

5. An expandible shoe tree comprising a front toe portion and a rear heel portion, said front and rear portions being a relatively stifi thin walled hollow member adapted to conform substantially to the shape of the interior of the front and rear portions of a shoe, respectively, and a central portion being formed with accordian folds inter- 1% connecting said front and rear portions, said folds providing for expansion and contraction of said shoe tree so as to render said shoe tree adaptable to a range of shoe sizes within the limits of the expansion of said tree, and one of said portions having an opening therein to permit the storage of various commodities therein.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said tree is made of a fluid impervious material, and including means for sealing said opening fluid tight.

7. The invention as defined in claim 5 including means forming a heel support for said shoe tree when the latter is used as a container.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said heel portion is provided with a longitudinally extending groove in the bottom surface thereof, said groove extending along an axis of said shoe, and said heel support being adapted to be frictionally retained in said groove in the operative position thereof.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein said heel support comprises a blank shape to conform to the top of said heel portion, said blank having an opening therein to accommodate the access opening to said tree, whereby said blank may be stowed on the top of said heel portion in the inoperative position of said heel support, and means for positively retaining said heel support in stowed position.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said retaining means includes interlocking flanges on said heel support and said heel portion.

11. A shoe tree comprising a thin walled hollow member including a front, central and rear portion shaped to conform to the interior of a shoe to provide a form for maintaining the shape of the shoe, said central portion interconnected between said front and rear portions being formed with accordion folds to provide for expansion and contraction of said shoe tree, means formed in one of said portions to define an access to the interior of said shoe tree, and a removable closure for sealing said access.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said access is defined by a bushing projecting from the top of said rear portion, and a cap for sealing said bushing.

13. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said rear portion is formed with a full open end to provide for v the receipt of relatively large sized objects, and said closure therefor being further adapted for use as a heel support for supporting said shoe tree in an upright position on a supporting surface.

14. A shoe tree comprising a front, central and rear portion, said front and rear portions being a relatively stiff thin walled hollow member adapted to conform substantially to the shape of the interior of the front and rear portions of a shoe, respectively, and said central portion being formed as a bellows to provide for longitudinal expansion and contraction'of said shoe tree for accommodating for a range of shoe sizes within the expansion limits thereof, and means for providing lateral expansion and contraction of said shoe tree to accommodate said tree to a range of shoe widths between the lateral expansions thereof.

15. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein said latter means includes a longitudinally extending groove in the bottom portion thereof to define a fold permitting lateral expansion and contraction of said tree.

16. The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein said longitudinally extending groove extends along the bottom of the heel and toe portions of said shoe tree.

17. The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein said longitudinal groove extends along the bottom of said heel, central and toe portions of said shoe tree, and the central portion of said longitudinal groove having transverse folds.

(References on following page) Refgrences Cited by therExaminer UNITED STATES PATENTS Doree 35-7-57 X 2,317,554- 4/43 1218 11 206-4514 2,610,340 9 52 Nettler et al -1- 12 12s FOREIGN PATENTS 485,630 -10/53 ,ItaI y. "JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner.

DAVID Jl WILLVIAMOWSKY, Examiner. 

1. A SHOE TREE, COMPRISING A UNITARY MEMBER INCLUDING FRONT, CENTRAL AND REAR PORTIONS, SAID FRONT AND REAR PORTIONS BEING RELATIVELY STIFF THIN WALLED HOLLOW MEMBERS ADAPTED TO CONFORM SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE SHAPE OF THE INTERIOR OF THE FRONT AND REAR PORTIONS OF A SHOE, RESPECTIVELY, SAID CENTRAL PORTION BEING FORMED AS A BELLOWS WITH RIDGES AND GROOVES, AND A RESILIENT BAND DISPOSED WITHIN ONE OF SAID GROOVES, SAID BAND BEING UNDER TENSION WHEREBY TO CAUSE SAID CENTRAL PORTION TO ELONGATE. 